Intermittently optimized turbo boost technology

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that detects a condition with respect to a system including a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is to include a turbo operation mode and intermittently or regularly shortens a repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition. In one example, intermittently shortening the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode includes modifying a duration setting a rate of occurrence setting, a power level ratio setting and/or a duty cycle setting.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to performance management in computingsystems. More particularly, embodiments relate to intermittently orregularly optimized turbo boost technology.

BACKGROUND

Turbo boost technology may accelerate processor and graphics performanceduring peak workloads by automatically allowing processor cores toexecute at frequencies higher than the rated operating frequency (e.g.,as long as power, current and temperature specification limits are notexceeded). In mobile systems, however, conventional turbo boostsolutions may have a negative impact on battery life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages of the embodiments will become apparent to oneskilled in the art by reading the following specification and appendedclaims, and by referencing the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a comparative plot of an example of a conventional batterydischarge curve and a battery discharge curve according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a comparative chart of an example of discharged energy for aconventional turbo operation mode and a turbo operation mode accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a comparative plot of an example of battery voltage curves andbattery current curves for a relatively long active duration of a turbooperation mode and a relatively short active duration of a turbooperation mode according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a comparative plot of an example of a conventional power levelsetting and a power level setting according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a comparative chart of an example of discharged energy forvarious duty cycle settings according to embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts of examples of methods of controlling aturbo operation mode according to embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a more detailed method ofcontrolling a turbo operation mode according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a performance-enhancedcomputing system according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a semiconductor packageapparatus according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1 , a conventional battery discharge curve 20 isshown in which a processing unit (e.g., central processing unit/CPU,host processor, graphics processing unit/GPU, graphics processor) ispermitted to execute at an operating frequency (e.g., turbo boost mode)that is higher than the rated operating frequency for relatively longperiodic bursts such as, for example, ten seconds (sec). The voltage(e.g., current/I times resistance/R) drop across the battery graduallydischarges over time until a cutoff voltage threshold 22 is reached. Asa result, a conventional level 26 of discharged energy is achievedbefore the cutoff voltage threshold 22 is reached.

By contrast, an enhanced battery discharge curve 24 results fromembodiments that periodically (e.g., intermittently or regularly) reducethe repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode to relativelyshort periodic bursts such as, for example, one second. In theillustrated example, the voltage (e.g., IR) drop across the batterydischarges more slowly than the voltage drop for the conventionalbattery discharge curve 20. Accordingly, the enhanced battery dischargecurve 24 reaches the cutoff voltage threshold 22 at an enhanced level 28that is greater than the conventional level 26. Thus, the enhancedbattery discharge curve 24 demonstrates that more energy is dischargedvia the technology described herein. Indeed, embodiments significantlyextent battery life while maintaining turbo power.

FIG. 2 shows charts for a turbo boost solution that repeats the elevatedcurrent consumption (e.g., due to a higher operating frequency of theprocessing unit) at a C-rate (e.g., the rate of discharge as compared tothe capacity of the battery) of 2 C (e.g., twice the current that wouldseemingly go through the rated ampere-hours of the battery in an hour).A conventional chart 30 results from repeating the elevated currentconsumption for a relatively long duration (e.g., 10 sec) and anenhanced chart 32 results from repeating the elevated currentconsumption for a relatively short duration (e.g., 1 sec). In theillustrated example, the discharged energy level (e.g., battery life) ofthe enhanced chart 32 is substantially greater than the dischargedenergy level of the conventional chart 30.

In general, battery impedance includes R(Ohm) and R(Polarization), whereR(Ohm) is the ohmic portion of battery impedance and R(Polarization) isthe polarization of battery impedance. When battery discharge starts,the battery voltage drops by I*R(Ohm)+I*R(Polarization), where I is thedischarge current. Additionally, I*R(Ohm) responds instantly and doesnot change substantially. By contrast, I*R(Polarization) increases asdischarge continues because R(Polarization) continues to increase to acertain level while discharge continues. Accordingly, the increase inR(Polarization) can be mitigated when the repeated active duration ofthe turbo operation mode is shortened.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional battery voltage curve 40 and a conventionalbattery current curve 42 for a turbo boost solution that conducts anelevated current consumption for a relatively long active duration(e.g., 10 sec). In the illustrated example, the conventional voltagecurve 40 drops to a conventional level 44. By contrast, an enhancedbattery voltage curve 46 and an enhanced battery current curve 48 resultfrom repeating the elevated current consumption for a relatively shortactive duration (e.g., 1 sec). As a result, the enhanced voltage curve46 drops to an enhanced level 50 that is greater than the conventionallevel 44.

FIG. 4 demonstrates that the shorter active duration of the turbo boostmode may be triggered by various conditions such as, for example, thecharge level of the battery falling below a threshold at an instance 52in time. In an enhanced power curve 54, embodiments shorten the repeatedactive duration of the turbo operation mode when the charge level of thebattery falls below the threshold. As a result, a decrease in a higherpower level (e.g., power level two/PL2) is minimal after the instance52. By contrast, a conventional power curve 56 results from a solutionthat does not shorten the repeated active duration of the turbooperation mode and the decrease in the higher power level is substantialafter the instance 52. The enhanced power curve 54 therefore results inbetter responsiveness. As will be discussed in greater detail, otherconditions such as, for example, the presence of a battery power signal(e.g., DYNAMIC BATTERY POWER TECHNOLOGY/DBPT signal), the activation ofa user setting (e.g., time of day based on electricity costs, extendedbattery life mode, workload type), and so forth. For example, before MaxPeak Power (MPP) and/or Sustainable Peak Power (SPP) in DBPT decreasesat a low state of battery charge, the turbo duration may be adjusted sothat the decrease of MPP/SPP can be delayed.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , a chart 58 of discharged energy for various dutycycle settings is shown. In general, battery life with full turbo powercan be extended not only by adjusting frequency with the same duty cyclebut also by adjusting duty cycle. For example, the chart 58 shows acomparison of discharged battery energy when the battery is dischargedunder different conditions: continuous 0.5 C; 0.5 C for 5 sec with 80%duty cycle (e.g., 1.25 sec rest); 0.5 C for 5 sec with 50% duty cycle(e.g., 5 sec rest); and 0.5 C for 5 sec with 10% duty cycle (e.g., 45sec rest). When the duty cycle is decreased, the discharged energyincreased significantly (e.g., by 3.1%) because longer rest time leadsto more voltage recovery from the IR drop and mitigates the IR drop atthe next turbo event (e.g., delaying crossing the discharge cutoffvoltage threshold).

FIG. 6A shows a method 60 of controlling a turbo operation mode. Themethod 60 may be implemented in one or more modules as a set of logicinstructions stored in a machine- or computer-readable storage mediumsuch as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmableROM (PROM), firmware, flash memory, etc., in configurable hardware suchas, for example, programmable logic arrays (PLAs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), infixed-functionality hardware using circuit technology such as, forexample, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), complementarymetal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or transistor-transistor logic (TTL)technology, or any combination thereof.

The illustrated processing block 62 provides for detecting a conditionwith respect to a system including a processing unit, wherein theprocessing unit includes a turbo operation mode (e.g., the ability toexecute at frequencies higher than the rated operating frequency as longas power, current and/or temperature specification limits are notexceeded). The system may be, for example, a laptop computer operatingon battery power, a laptop computer operating on alternating current(AC) power and battery power, a datacenter with hybrid power (e.g., gridand battery), an electric vehicle (EV), and so forth. Additionally, theprocessing unit may be a CPU, display panel controller, a displaybacklight controller, etc. Moreover, the condition may include a chargelevel of the battery falling below a threshold, an impedance (e.g.,polarization impedance) of the battery exceeding a threshold, thepresence of a battery power signal (e.g., DBPT signal), an activation ofa user setting (e.g., time of day based on electricity costs, extendedbattery life mode, workload type), etc., or any combination thereof. Inone example, the user setting is associated with a duration of anaturally occurring workload. In such a case, block 62 might determinewhether the workload is naturally “bursty” (e.g., short) withsignificant idling periods in between bursts.

Block 64 shortens (e.g., intermittently or regularly) a repeated activeduration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition. In anembodiment, block 64 includes modifying a duration setting, a rate ofoccurrence setting, a power level ratio (e.g., tau) setting, a dutycycle setting, etc., or any combination thereof. Block 64 may alsoinclude lengthening (e.g., intermittently or regularly) a repeatedinactive duration of the turbo operation mode in response to thecondition. In the case of a bursty workload, block 64 might respond tothat workload type by automatically raising the turbo power limit toincrease turbo performance. The method 60 therefore enhances performanceat least to the extent that intermittently or regularly shortening therepeated active duration of the turbo operation mode maintains turbopower while extending battery life (e.g., delaying the reaching of adischarge cutoff voltage).

FIG. 6B shows another method 61 of controlling a turbo operation mode.The method 61 may generally be implemented in conjunction with orseparately from the method 60 (FIG. 6A), already discussed. Moreparticularly, the method 61 may be implemented in one or more modules asa set of logic instructions stored in a machine- or computer-readablestorage medium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc., inconfigurable hardware such as, for example, PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, infixed-functionality hardware using circuit technology such as, forexample, ASIC, CMOS or TTL technology, or any combination thereof.

Illustrated processing block 63 provides for monitoring a naturallyoccurring workload in the system. For example, block 63 might track(e.g., via the duty cycle) the duration and/or frequency of one or moreworkloads being handled by the system. Block 65 adjusts a power limit(e.g., PL2) associated with the turbo operation mode based on thenaturally occurring workload. Thus, block 65 may include reducing thepower limit if the workload becomes more sustained (e.g., no longer“bursty” and therefore not meeting the duty cycle requirement). Thus,rather than forcing the duty cycle to allow the higher power limit, themethod 61 may enable the power limit to be increased opportunisticallywhenever the workload behavior is within the appropriate duty cycle.

FIG. 7 shows a more detailed method 70 of controlling a turbo operationmode. The method 70 may be implemented in one or more modules as a setof logic instructions stored in a machine- or computer-readable storagemedium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc., inconfigurable hardware such as, for example, PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, infixed-functionality hardware using circuit technology such as, forexample, ASIC, CMOS or TTL technology, or any combination thereof.

Illustrated processing block 72 sets a turbo boost adjustment triggersuch as, for example, a charge level indicator, impedance, a usersetting and/or a time setting. The charge level indicator includesbattery voltage after or before turbo or battery state of charge. Block74 checks whether the turbo boost adjustment trigger has been activated.If block 76 determines that the turbo boost adjustment trigger has beenactivated, block 78 adjusts the turbo boost frequency, duration and/orduty cycle. The illustrated method 70 then returns to block 74 on aregular or intermittent basis. If it is determined at block 76 that theadjustment trigger has not been activated, the method 70 returns toblock 74 and bypasses block 78.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , a performance-enhanced computing system 110 isshown. The system 110 may generally be part of an electronicdevice/platform having computing functionality (e.g., personal digitalassistant/PDA, notebook computer, tablet computer, convertible tablet,server), communications functionality (e.g., smart phone), imagingfunctionality (e.g., camera, camcorder), media playing functionality(e.g., smart television/TV), wearable functionality (e.g., watch,eyewear, headwear, footwear, jewelry), vehicular functionality (e.g.,car, truck, motorcycle), robotic functionality (e.g., autonomous robot),Internet of Things (IoT) functionality, etc., or any combinationthereof.

In the illustrated example, the system 110 includes a host processor 112(e.g., CPU) having an integrated memory controller (IMC) 114 that iscoupled to a system memory 116. In an embodiment, an IO module 118 iscoupled to the host processor 112. The illustrated IO module 118communicates with, for example, a display 124 (e.g., touch screen,liquid crystal display/LCD, light emitting diode/LED display), a networkcontroller 126 (e.g., wired and/or wireless), and a mass storage 128(e.g., hard disk drive/HDD, optical disc, solid-state drive/SSD, flashmemory, etc.). The system 110 may also include a graphics processor 120(e.g., graphics processing unit/GPU) that is incorporated with the hostprocessor 112 and the IO module 118 into a system on chip (SoC) 130.

In one example, the system memory 116 and/or the mass storage 128includes a set of executable program instructions 122, which whenexecuted by a power management unit 132 of the IO module 118, cause thepower management unit 132 and/or the computing system 110 to implementone or more aspects of the method 60 (FIG. 6A), the method 61 (FIG. 6B)and/or the method 70 (FIG. 7 ), already discussed. Thus, the powermanagement unit 132 may execute the instructions 122 to detect acondition with respect to the computing system 110, intermittentlyshorten a repeated active duration of the turbo operation in response tothe condition, and intermittently lengthen a repeated inactive durationof the turbo operation mode in response to the condition. The computingsystem 110 is therefore performance-enhanced at least to the extent thatintermittently shortening the repeated active duration of the turbooperation mode maintains turbo power while extending the life of abattery 134 supplying power to the computing system 110 (e.g., delayingthe reaching of a discharge cutoff voltage).

FIG. 9 shows a semiconductor apparatus 140 (e.g., chip and/or package).The illustrated apparatus 140 includes one or more substrates 142 (e.g.,silicon, sapphire, gallium arsenide) and logic 144 (e.g., transistorarray and other integrated circuit/IC components) coupled to thesubstrate(s) 142. In an embodiment, the logic 144 implements one or moreaspects of the method 60 (FIG. 6A), the method 61 (FIG. 6B) and/or themethod 70 (FIG. 7 ), already discussed. Thus, the logic 144 may detect acondition with respect to a system including a processing unit, whereinthe processing unit includes a turbo operation mode and intermittentlyshorten a repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode inresponse to the condition.

The logic 144 may be implemented at least partly in configurable orfixed-functionality hardware. In one example, the logic 144 includestransistor channel regions that are positioned (e.g., embedded) withinthe substrate(s) 142. Thus, the interface between the logic 144 and thesubstrate(s) 142 may not be an abrupt junction. The logic 144 may alsobe considered to include an epitaxial layer that is grown on an initialwafer of the substrate(s) 142.

Additional Notes and Examples

Example 1 includes a performance-enhanced computing system comprising apower management unit, a processing unit coupled to the power managementunit, the processing unit including a turbo operation mode, and a memoryincluding a set of instructions, which when executed by the powermanagement unit, cause the power management unit to detect a conditionwith respect to the computing system and intermittently shorten arepeated active duration of the turbo operation mode in response to thecondition.

Example 2 includes the computing system of Example 1, wherein to shortenthe repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode, theinstructions, when executed, further cause the power management unit tomodify one or more of a duration setting, a rate of occurrence setting,a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.

Example 3 includes the computing system of Example 1, wherein thecondition is to include a charge level of a battery in the systemfalling below a threshold, a presence of a battery power signal, anactivation of a user setting or an impedance of a battery in the systemexceeding a threshold.

Example 4 includes the computing system of Example 1, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the power management unit tomonitor a naturally occurring workload and adjust a power limitassociated with the turbo operation mode based on the naturallyoccurring workload.

Example 5 includes the computing system of Example 1, wherein therepeated active duration of the turbo operation mode is to beintermittently or regularly shortened.

Example 6 includes the computing system of any one of Examples 1 to 5,wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computingsystem to lengthen a repeated inactive duration of the turbo operationmode in response to the condition.

Example 7 includes at least one computer readable storage mediumcomprising a set of instructions, which when executed by a computingsystem, cause the computing system to detect a condition with respect tothe computing system, wherein the computing system is to include aprocessing unit, and wherein the processing unit is to include a turbooperation mode, and shorten a repeated active duration of the turbooperation mode in response to the condition.

Example 8 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofExample 7, wherein to shorten the repeated active duration of the turbooperation mode, the instructions, when executed, further cause thecomputing system to modify one or more of a duration setting, a rate ofoccurrence setting, a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.

Example 9 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofExample 7, wherein the condition is to include a charge level of abattery in the computing system falling below a threshold, a presence ofa battery power signal, an activation of a user setting or an impedanceof a battery in the system exceeding a threshold.

Example 10 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofExample 7, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause thecomputing system to monitor a naturally occurring workload and adjust apower limit associated with the turbo operation mode based on thenaturally occurring workload.

Example 11 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofExample 7, wherein the repeated active duration of the turbo operationmode is to be intermittently or regularly shortened.

Example 12 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofany one of Examples 5 to 11, wherein the instructions, when executed,further cause the computing system to lengthen a repeated inactiveduration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.

Example 13 includes a semiconductor apparatus comprising one or moresubstrates, and logic coupled to the one or more substrates, wherein thelogic is implemented at least partly in one or more of configurable orfixed-functionality hardware, the logic to detect a condition withrespect to a system including a processing unit, wherein the processingunit is to include a turbo operation mode, and shorten a repeated activeduration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.

Example 14 includes the semiconductor apparatus of Example 13, whereinto shorten the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode, thelogic is to modify one or more of a duration setting, a rate ofoccurrence setting, a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.

Example 15 includes the semiconductor apparatus of Example 13, whereinthe condition is to include a charge level of a battery in the systemfalling below a threshold, a presence of a battery power signal, anactivation of a user setting or an impedance of a battery in the systemexceeding a threshold.

Example 16 includes the semiconductor apparatus of Example 13, whereinthe logic is further to monitor a naturally occurring workload andadjust a power limit associated with the turbo operation mode based onthe naturally occurring workload.

Example 17 includes the semiconductor apparatus of Example 13, whereinthe repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode is to beintermittently or regularly shortened.

Example 18 includes the semiconductor apparatus of any one of Examples13 to 17, wherein the logic is to lengthen a repeated inactive durationof the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.

Example 19 includes at least one computer readable storage mediumcomprising a set of instructions, which when executed by a computingsystem, cause the computing system to monitor a naturally occurringworkload, and adjust a power limit associated with the turbo operationmode based on the naturally occurring workload.

Example 20 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofExample 19, wherein to monitor the naturally occurring workload, theinstructions, when executed, cause the computing system to track a dutycycle of the naturally occurring workload.

Example 21 includes the at least one computer readable storage medium ofany one of Examples 19 to 20, wherein to adjust the power limitassociated with the turbo operation mode, the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the computing system to reduce the power limit if thenaturally occurring workload becomes more sustained.

Embodiments are applicable for use with all types of semiconductorintegrated circuit (“IC”) chips. Examples of these IC chips include butare not limited to processors, controllers, chipset components,programmable logic arrays (PLAs), memory chips, network chips, systemson chip (SoCs), SSD/NAND controller ASICs, and the like. In addition, insome of the drawings, signal conductor lines are represented with lines.Some may be different, to indicate more constituent signal paths, have anumber label, to indicate a number of constituent signal paths, and/orhave arrows at one or more ends, to indicate primary information flowdirection. This, however, should not be construed in a limiting manner.Rather, such added detail may be used in connection with one or moreexemplary embodiments to facilitate easier understanding of a circuit.Any represented signal lines, whether or not having additionalinformation, may actually comprise one or more signals that may travelin multiple directions and may be implemented with any suitable type ofsignal scheme, e.g., digital or analog lines implemented withdifferential pairs, optical fiber lines, and/or single-ended lines.

Example sizes/models/values/ranges may have been given, althoughembodiments are not limited to the same. As manufacturing techniques(e.g., photolithography) mature over time, it is expected that devicesof smaller size could be manufactured. In addition, well knownpower/ground connections to IC chips and other components may or may notbe shown within the figures, for simplicity of illustration anddiscussion, and so as not to obscure certain aspects of the embodiments.Further, arrangements may be shown in block diagram form in order toavoid obscuring embodiments, and also in view of the fact that specificswith respect to implementation of such block diagram arrangements arehighly dependent upon the computing system within which the embodimentis to be implemented, i.e., such specifics should be well within purviewof one skilled in the art. Where specific details (e.g., circuits) areset forth in order to describe example embodiments, it should beapparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments can be practicedwithout, or with variation of, these specific details. The descriptionis thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

The term “coupled” may be used herein to refer to any type ofrelationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question,and may apply to electrical, mechanical, fluid, optical,electromagnetic, electromechanical or other connections. In addition,the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein only to facilitatediscussion, and carry no particular temporal or chronologicalsignificance unless otherwise indicated.

As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined bythe term “one or more of” may mean any combination of the listed terms.For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B or C” may mean A; B; C; Aand B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing descriptionthat the broad techniques of the embodiments can be implemented in avariety of forms. Therefore, while the embodiments have been describedin connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of theembodiments should not be so limited since other modifications willbecome apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of thedrawings, specification, and following claims.

We claim:
 1. A computing system comprising: a power management unit; a processing unit coupled to the power management unit, the processing unit including a turbo operation mode; and a memory including a set of instructions, which when executed by the power management unit, cause the power management unit to: detect a condition with respect to the computing system, and shorten a repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 2. The computing system of claim 1, wherein to shorten the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode, the instructions, when executed, further cause the power management unit to modify one or more of a duration setting, a rate of occurrence setting, a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.
 3. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the condition is to include a charge level of a battery in the system falling below a threshold, a presence of a battery power signal, an activation of a user setting or an impedance of a battery in the system exceeding a threshold.
 4. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the power management unit to: monitor a naturally occurring workload, and adjust a power limit associated with the turbo operation mode based on the naturally occurring workload.
 5. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode is to be intermittently or regularly shortened.
 6. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing system to lengthen a repeated inactive duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 7. At least one computer readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions, which when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to: detect a condition with respect to the computing system, wherein the computing system is to include a processing unit, and wherein the processing unit is to include a turbo operation mode; and shorten a repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 8. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein to shorten the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode, the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing system to modify one or more of a duration setting, a rate of occurrence setting, a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.
 9. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the condition is to include a charge level of a battery in the computing system falling below a threshold, a presence of a battery power signal, an activation of a user setting or an impedance of a battery in the system exceeding a threshold.
 10. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing system to: monitor a naturally occurring workload; and adjust a power limit associated with the turbo operation mode based on the naturally occurring workload.
 11. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 7, wherein the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode is to be intermittently or regularly shortened.
 12. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the computing system to lengthen a repeated inactive duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 13. A semiconductor apparatus comprising: one or more substrates; and logic coupled to the one or more substrates, wherein the logic is implemented at least partly in one or more of configurable or fixed-functionality hardware, the logic to: detect a condition with respect to a system including a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is to include a turbo operation mode; and shorten a repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 14. The semiconductor apparatus of claim 13, wherein to shorten the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode, the logic is to modify one or more of a duration setting, a rate of occurrence setting, a power level ratio setting or a duty cycle setting.
 15. The semiconductor apparatus of claim 13, wherein the condition is to include a charge level of a battery in the system falling below a threshold, a presence of a battery power signal, an activation of a user setting or an impedance of a battery in the system exceeding a threshold.
 16. The semiconductor apparatus of claim 13, wherein the logic is further to: monitor a naturally occurring workload; and adjust a power limit associated with the turbo operation mode based on the naturally occurring workload.
 17. The semiconductor apparatus of claim 13, wherein the repeated active duration of the turbo operation mode is to be intermittently or regularly shortened.
 18. The semiconductor apparatus of claim 13, wherein the logic is to lengthen a repeated inactive duration of the turbo operation mode in response to the condition.
 19. At least one computer readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions, which when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to: monitor a naturally occurring workload; and adjust a power limit associated with the turbo operation mode based on the naturally occurring workload.
 20. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein to monitor the naturally occurring workload, the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to track a duty cycle of the naturally occurring workload.
 21. The at least one computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein to adjust the power limit associated with the turbo operation mode, the instructions, when executed, cause the computing system to reduce the power limit if the naturally occurring workload becomes more sustained. 